11th November  2007 - Beverley 10  Hull Ionians  12 - National 3 North     pictures

Hull Ionians experience and defensive discipline earned them victory in a typical hard fought local derby where no quarter was asked or given. Hull Ionians had use of the wind for the first half and Beverley's over enthusiasm and diving over the top gave away a penalty in the 3rd minute, brought to 38 metres out for talking back. James Ferguson converted with ease adding a second 45 metre goal 3 minutes later when Beverley once again dived over the top to kill the ball. (Perhaps his longest range kick being a magnificent way to bring up his 100 points of the season).

Beverley then had 20 minutes of possession into the wind but never reached the attacking 22 carrying it. Hull Ionians at last gained some continuity but in the biting cold wind both sides handling was not at its best and despite creating half chances they were never finished. The best chance came with an overlap out wide but Mark Wigham had the ball punched out of his hands as he went to pass it to them. Then a fine break by Carl Mortimer threatened a score but once again Beverley back row punched down a scoring pass and managed to clear the pressure. Beverley's ferocious back row once again were pinged for killing the ball, conceding another 45 metre penalty that went wide, followed by yet another dive over the ball which brought a yellow card for centre Jade Gardiner and the goal within range, James Ferguson taking a 9-0 lead into the break.

Beverley started the second half strongly and soon had a drop goal from Anthony Posa but further chances were well tackled or came from knock-ons or forward passes. As the wind dropped and the game entered the final quarter Hull Ionians at last relieved the siege and the last 10 minutes and  successive penalties saw wave attacks on the Beverley line equally tackled to hold on, until offside in front of the posts saw Chris Quinn take the 3 points on offer for a 9 point lead. Beverley came back with one big effort and after Mark Wigham was yellow carded on his own goal line, Beverley took the line-out and Dave Worrall drove over, replacement full back Mike Kilgannon kicking the goal, but one more attack from the restart saw Hull Ionians turn over possession and put the ball into touch to end the match, having achieved 2 consecutive away victories.

Beverley Report on Sports mail Web site